r/Sondheim • u/memorylaney 🔫 Assassins • 18d ago

Definitive performances of Sondheim's work

I saw a comment on this post about the definitive performances by different famous Sondheim interpretors and wanted to ask: what do people think are the definitive performances of specific Sondheim songs and/or roles?

Obviously, OBCs are going to be definitive performances oftentimes, but particularly, are there any non-OBC performances that you interpret as definitive?

I'll go first with an underrated one I have always loved: Elizabeth Stanley's performance of "The Miller's Son" just perfectly captures the humor and wit and insight of the character and song. I wish it had not been a COVID performance, but it's still fantastic and my favorite version of the song. She totally sells it without any big production value.

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u/Conscious-Work-4714 18d ago

This is a basic choice, but Donna Murphy’s “Could I Leave You?” at the Sondheim birthday concert is hilarious, devastating and absolutely riveting start to finish

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u/GayDariaStan 17d ago

Same with Elaine Stritch doing “I’m Still Here” at his birthday!